Global support for Junior WRC

Seven countries are represented in the initial list of entries for next season’s FIA Junior World Rally Championship.

While series promoter M-Sport will not reveal any names until entries close on 16 January, it has confirmed two drivers from Italy and one each from Chile, Ireland, Latvia, New Zealand, Sweden and Great Britain have had places approved.

Kiwi driver David Holder announced earlier this week his entry had been secured.

All will do battle behind the wheel of identical one-litre Ford Fiesta R2s over rounds in Sweden, Corsica, Portugal, Finland and Turkey with the aim of winning a Fiesta R5 in which to contest the 2019 WRC 2 series.

Championship manager Maciej Woda was delighted by the global nature of the first batch of entries.

“With its mix of snow, asphalt and gravel, this series provides the perfect platform for young drivers to showcase their skills,” he said.